The Young Georgians
visit
Chiswick House
Chiswick House is one of the most important buildings in the history of British Architecture. Built in 1729 by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington and 4th Earl of Cork, Chiswick passed in to the hands of his descendants, The Dukes of Devonshire. Two hundred years of owning this wonderful treasure of a house, which was deemed by Lord Hervey to be 'too small to live in, and too big to hang to a watch', came to an end in 1929 when the 9th Duke sold the house and estate to Middlesex Country Council. The house at that time became a fire station. On the tour we had two friends who are descended directly from the Earls of Cork. I think they found it fascinating too, although they were rather shaken by one or two particularly unattractive family portraits!
Lord Burlington's entrance front of Chiswick House
The Devonshires, under the famous Georgiana Duchess, had thrown out huge wings to the left and right of Lord Burlington's original square villa. These have now gone and the purity of the building, inspired by Lord Burlington's study of Sixteenth Century Italian architect Andrea Palladio and his assistant Vincenzo Scamozzi, is back to its glorious best.
The interior is geometrically planned around a central domed octagon. Despite the modest scale of the villa the perfection of the proportions and quality of the craftsmanship create a palatial effect which is hard to forget.
Dr David Jacques talks to the group
Dr David Jacques took the tour of the garden, which was envisaged by William Kent and Lord Burlington to be a continuation of the house. It is Kent's version of a garden in ancient Rome and is filled with follies and architectural conceits to show-off Lord Burlington's education in all things Palladian and Classical.
Young Georgians nosing round the garden
Marvelling at the Octagonal Hall
Chiswick House and gardens are in a better state than ever. Even the ultra modern cafe fits in well with the overall effect. This extremely precious building is at last being given the recognition and care it deserves to preserve it for future generations who wish to know where we came from and are going to in British architecture. Lord Burlington's mini masterpiece is open for business!!
For more information on Chiswick House and opening times:
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